Lewis Hamilton entered the weekend at Monza with a sense of optimism, believing that Ferrari now possess the machinery capable of contending for victory at their home race. The Italian Grand Prix will also serve as the stage for the introduction of a fresh power‑unit upgrade that will be fitted to both of the Scuderia's cars.
This marks Ferrari's second engine‑related development this season, a privilege granted by the FIA through the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) programme, which allows manufacturers that lag behind the benchmark to make performance‑enhancing changes. Last year’s Monza outing was a disappointment for the Italian team, with the cars finishing only fourth and sixth despite the passionate support of the Tifosi.
The under‑performance sparked a wave of criticism and prompted the team to push for more aggressive development. For 2026, Ferrari entered the season with higher expectations, aiming to stay in the fight for the world championship against the dominant Red Bull and the resurging Mercedes camps. The new upgrade is therefore seen as a crucial step toward closing the power‑unit gap that the FIA had identified as being more than four per cent behind Red Bull's benchmark engine.
Speaking at a promotional event for House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% in central Milan, Hamilton addressed a sea of enthusiastic fans. "Monza is always special – it's the fastest circuit on the calendar and the atmosphere is electric," he said. "Last year we simply didn't have a car that could fight for the win. This year feels different; I think we have the package to challenge for the top step of the podium." Hamilton’s record at the Italian Grand Prix is impressive: he shares the all‑time five‑win record with Michael Schumacher.
However, his debut for Ferrari at Monza in 2023 ended with a modest sixth‑place finish, reflecting the difficulties of his first season in the red livery. Since then, the British driver claimed his maiden victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, and now he is eager to add a second triumph at the home race of the team that has been his primary rival for the championship.
The weekend also features a notable storyline for Mercedes. Their championship‑leading driver Kimi Antonelli will be forced to start from the back of the grid after receiving an engine penalty, providing an unexpected opportunity for the midfield and possibly altering the dynamics of the race. Fans can watch the entire event via the NOW streaming service, which offers live coverage of every Formula 1 race. When asked about his feelings toward the Tifosi, Hamilton was effusive.
"The support in Barcelona was amazing, but the love you feel here in Italy is on another level. To see you all gathered here for the second year in a row is overwhelming – I truly love the Tifosi," he remarked, receiving a thunderous ovation from the crowd gathered at the historic Palazzo Reale. Ferrari's technical director Frederic Vasseur explained the significance of the upgrade.
"We are introducing an updated power unit as part of the ADUO development opportunities. It represents a step in the right direction, especially in a season where marginal gains are everything. Monza is a demanding circuit, and the field is extremely close. Our priority is to execute every aspect of the weekend flawlessly, from Friday practice through to the race on Sunday." The new power unit will be the fourth engine each car has used this season, meaning Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc will avoid any further grid penalties that could arise from exceeding the allocated number of power‑unit components.
Vasseur added that the team hopes the upgrade will not only improve outright speed but also enhance reliability, a factor that has plagued Ferrari in recent years. The event schedule is packed with supporting categories.
Thursday, September 3, will feature a drivers' press conference at 1 p.m., followed by an uncut paddock interview at 4 p.m. Friday's programme includes Formula 3 practice at 7.30 a.m., Formula 2 practice at 8.55 a.m., and the first Italian Grand Prix practice session commencing at 11 a.m.
(with the official start time listed as 11.30 p.m. due to a typographical error in the original release). Qualifying sessions for the junior categories follow, leading up to the main F1 qualifying later in the day. Saturday, September 5, sees the F3 sprint race, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the F2 sprint, culminating in the build‑up to the F1 qualifying at 3 p.m.
Sunday, September 6, will deliver the full racing action: F3 and F2 feature races in the morning, a Porsche Supercup race at 12.30 p.m., and finally the Italian Grand Prix itself starting at 2 p.m., with post‑race analysis and reaction segments scheduled throughout the afternoon. The Italian Grand Prix is more than just a race; it is a cultural event that showcases the deep bond between Ferrari and its fans. The Tifosi’s passion often provides an extra boost for the Scuderia, and the team hopes to translate that energy into a strong performance on the high‑speed straights and demanding corners of Monza. With the new engine upgrade, a motivated driver lineup, and a strategic focus on extracting every ounce of performance, Ferrari aims to deliver a memorable weekend that could reshape the championship narrative.
For viewers, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to stream via NOW without a long‑term contract. The coverage includes pre‑race analysis, live timing, and post‑race commentary, ensuring fans worldwide can experience the excitement of Monza as it unfolds. In summary, Hamilton’s hopeful outlook reflects both the confidence of a driver who believes his car can finally compete at the front and the ambition of a Ferrari team that has worked tirelessly to close the technical gap.
The upcoming engine upgrade, combined with the fervent support of the Tifosi, could provide the catalyst needed for a podium finish—or even a victory—at the iconic Italian Grand Prix.